"As I Lay Dying" Frontman Accused of Murder-for-Hire Plot

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The frontman of the Grammy-nominated Christian heavy metal band As I Lay Dying was arrested Tuesday, accused of trying to hire someone to kill his wife.

Tim Lambesis, who is the lead singer and co-founder of the San Diego-based band, asked an undercover detective on Tuesday afternoon to murder his estranged wife, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities said Lambesis was arrested at an Oceanside, Calif., business without incident.

Officials said they learned on May 2 that Lambesis may have solicited someone to kill his wife, who is a resident of neighboring Encinitas. A search of court records has determined that Lambesis' wife, Meggan, filed for divorce in North County last September.

Described as a straight-edged Christian metal band, As I Lay Dying formed more than a decade ago and has released eight albums, including the Grammy-nominated An Ocean Between Us, which came out in 2007, according to band publicity.

The band is also a mainstay of the San Diego Music Awards, nominated last year for Best Hard Rock Album for Decas, and winning for Best Hard Rock the year before that. In 2008, 2007 and 2005, the band took home the SDMA statuettes for Artist of the Year. As I Lay Dying is slated to embark on a cross-country tour with Massachusetts metal band Killswitch Engage later this month.

Lambesis has been charged with solicitation of another to commit murder. He has been booked into the Vista Detention Facility.